Protectionist wins European Group One race

SYDNEY Aug 15 2016

Protectionist has won his first European Group One race, leading all the way in the Grosser Preis von Berlin at Hoppegarten.

The 2014 Melbourne Cup winner is unbeaten this year since returning to trainer Andreas Wohler in Germany after an unsuccessful 2015 when he jarred up on hard tracks in Australia.

"This is a very special horse and I have to thank Andreas Wohler for a great job. We clearly made the right decision to send Protectionist back to Germany," Jamie Lovett, representing owners Australian Bloodstock, told the Racing Post.

The win means he is unlikely to return for another tilt at the Melbourne Cup with connections eyeing off more European races including the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

"He has really thrived back in his old familiar surroundings, and it has been a real team job to get him back to top form," Wohler said.

"The intention now is to run in the Grosser Preis von Baden in three weeks and after that we shall consider our options."